John W. Blankenship, age 88, entered his heavenly home on Friday, August 23, 204 at Charter Senior Living of Jackson, TN with his loving family at his side.
John was born in Beech Bluff, TN on July 17, 1936, the son of the late Sherman and Alice Fowler Blakenship. He graduated from Beech Bluff High School in 1954, where he was voted best all-around in his class.
At the age of fourteen he was one of the founding members of the Jubilaires Quartet. He continued singing for the Lord until retirement in 2022. John was employed in sales with Eli Witt for several years and served in the Tennessee Army National Guard. He was a former member of West Jackson Baptist Church of Jackson. One of John’s greatest moments was singing in Nashville on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.
John married his childhood sweetheart Norma Howell on September 14, 1958, who survives. To this union was born two daughters and one son, Leanne (Joe) Scott, Cynthia (Wayne) Boyd and Craig Blankenship. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Rachel Scott, Alex Boyd, Andrew (Megan) Scott and Brooke Boyd, a brother-in-law, Clois Duke, Nieces, JoAnne Hudson, and Dana (Chuck) Wilkerson and a nephew, Richard Hudson.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Duke, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joe, and Bettye Hudson.
SERVICES: A private graveside service will be held at Highland Memorial Gardens on Saturday, August 31, 2024, with Rev. Robert “Opie” Dodrill officiating.
Pallbearers will be Alex Boyd, Wayne Boyd, Andrew Scott, Richard Hudson, Joe Scott, and Chuck Wilkerson.
The family is requesting that memorial contributions be directed to Maple Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 2005 Beech Bluff Road, Beech Bluff 38313.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305 731.668.1111
